Where to Stay in Saba: Best Hotels, Villas & Accommodations by Area

I recently spent a week exploring the tiny Caribbean island of Saba, and it absolutely blew me away. After years of visiting nearby St. Maarten and putting off the short trip, I finally made it — and quickly realized this island is something truly special. With epic hiking, a peaceful vibe, and some of the most charming Saba accommodations I’ve experienced, this trip turned into one I’ll never forget. Remember that where to stay in Saba plays as big a part as what you do on the island.

If you’re planning your own visit and wondering where to stay in Saba, this guide breaks down the island’s best hotels, villas, and cottages by neighborhood — from cozy eco-lodges to boutique villas with ocean views.

Find where to stay in Saba at the best hotels and villas on Expedia!

Where Is Saba? Getting to the Island

Tucked in the northeastern Caribbean, Saba is a five-square-mile volcanic island and a special municipality of the Netherlands. It’s located just south of St. Maarten — which makes it surprisingly easy to reach, despite its remote feel. Most visitors arrive via St. Maarten, which serves as the island’s main international hub.

From St. Maarten, you have two options:

• A 45-minute ferry ride (book tickets here)
• A 15-minute flight aboard a tiny propeller plane from Winair(book tickets here)

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, I highly recommend flying. Landing on Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport — home to the smallest commercial runway in the world — is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was my first time flying in a small prop plane, and the adrenaline rush is real. As you descend over the ocean and see the narrow stretch of runway carved into the cliffs, you realize just how unique and untouched this island really is.

Because of the island’s limited access — especially the tight runway size — Saba is naturally protected from overtourism. You won’t find big cruise ports or mega-resorts here. What you will find is peace, quiet, and an unspoiled slice of Caribbean beauty that’s perfect for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and authentic charm.

So if you’re wondering where to stay in Saba, keep reading — I’ll break down the best hotels, villas, and hidden gems across each neighborhood.

Saba Villa Highlight: Spyglass Villa Luxury Stay

If you’re looking for where to stay in Saba for the most unforgettable experience, Spyglass Villa is it. Perched high above Windwardside with sweeping views of the sea and surrounding islands, this private luxury villa strikes a perfect balance between upscale comfort and laid-back Caribbean charm. I stayed here during my trip and honestly — it felt like having the entire island to myself.

Book your stay at Spyglass Villa here!

From the wraparound deck and saltwater plunge pool to the fully equipped kitchen and thoughtful design touches, Spyglass is the kind of place you’ll want to slow down and actually live in. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with friends, it’s easily one of the best villas on Saba — and one of the most memorable accommodations I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the Caribbean.

Learn more about Spyglass Villa in Saba with this blog post!

Where to Stay in Saba by Neighborhood

Windwardside, Saba: Best Hotels & Villas

If it’s your first time visiting Saba, Windwardside is likely where you’ll end up — and honestly, that’s a good thing. This is the island’s unofficial “tourist hub,” but don’t expect big crowds or chain hotels. Think cozy cottages, friendly locals, dive shops, and mountain views around every corner. It’s walkable, well-connected to the rest of the island, and has the widest range of Saba accommodations — from boutique hotels to self-catering villas.

You’ll find several great restaurants here (I had more than one meal at The Hideaway), two small grocery stores if you plan to cook, and the island’s Tourism Office, which is a helpful stop for maps, hiking advice, or just a friendly chat. Windwardside also serves as the main launching point for many of Saba’s best hiking trails, including the climb up Mount Scenery — the highest point in the Dutch Kingdom.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Saba with the most convenience and charm, Windwardside makes a strong case.

Best Hotels and Villas in Windwardside:

• Spyglass Villa – A private, luxury villa with panoramic ocean views, a saltwater plunge pool, and full kitchen. Perfect for couples or small groups looking for upscale comfort and total privacy. I stayed here during my trip — and it was hands-down the highlight of my Saba experience. It is my top pick for where to stay in Saba for luxury and relaxation.
• Juliana’s Hotel – A beloved Saba hotel known for its friendly vibe, ocean-view rooms, and lush tropical garden setting. Some rooms have kitchenettes, and there’s a cozy on-site restaurant called Tropics Café. Great for travelers who want boutique charm with full service. This would be my top pick for where to stay in Saba if you want convenience to town.
• The Cottage Club Hotel – Quirky and charming with rustic Caribbean cottages set around a hillside garden. There’s a small pool, and many cottages have balconies with views of the sea. A great mid-range option just a short walk from shops and restaurants.
• House on the Path– I cautiously recommend this one. I stayed here for a few nights and while there were definitely issues, it is a very beautiful and interesting stay. Keep in mind that there is no hot water, no air conditioning, and it needs better management. But if you are okay with this, it is a truly unique and special place to stay on the hiking paths near Windwardside. Not at the top of my list for where to stay in Saba, but definitely unique.
• Historic Saban Cottage in Windwardside – A classic Saban home turned vacation rental, this self-catering cottage has a full kitchen and authentic charm. Ideal if you’re staying longer or want to live like a local while exploring the island.
• Flamboyant Cottage – Spectacular View & Pool– A beautiful, traditional Saban cottage with a pool and within close walking distance to everything in Windwardside.
• Saba Arawak Hotel – Located just at the edge of Windwardside, this newer hotel is clean, comfortable, and a bit more affordable. Rooms are simple but well-kept, and it offers easy access to both Windwardside and The Bottom.

The Bottom, Saba: Best Hotels & Villas

Most visitors to Saba will pass through The Bottom at some point — but few choose to stay here overnight, and for good reason. This is the island’s capital and administrative center, home to government offices, a small medical school, and many of the island’s full-time residents. It’s quieter than Windwardside and tends to get noticeably hotter during the day due to its lower elevation and more sheltered location. If I’m recommending where to stay in Saba, The Bottom doesn’t really make that list. But I thought I still mention it if you are doing research.

There used to be a small hotel here at the top of the hill that travelers could stay at, but as of writing this, it’s permanently closed. So while I’m not recommending any hotels or villas in The Bottom, it’s still worth a short visit if you’re exploring the island.

Things to Do in The Bottom:

• Hike The Ladder – This historic trail leads down 800 steps to the old port and is one of the most iconic hikes on Saba. Imagine locals carrying supplies up this steep stone staircase back in the day — it’s wild.
• Lunch at Island Flavor – One of the best spots for local food on the island. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and it’s a great stop before or after a hike.
• Parish Hill Trail – A lesser-known path that offers a peaceful walk through the forest with great views of the surrounding area.
• Bottom Mountain Trail – This trail connects to the main route up to Mount Scenery, and makes a great alternative approach if you’re looking to mix things up.

Zion’s Hill, Saba: Best Hotels & Villas

Zion’s Hill — also called Hell’s Gate — is the first neighborhood you’ll pass through after landing on Saba. If you’re wondering where to stay in Saba that’s a quiet, mostly residential area this is it. Tucked into the hillside near the airport, there isn’t a ton to do here. But it offers a peaceful setting for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.

There’s no central town center, but you can head down to the coast to check out the tide pools or watch the waves crash along the rocky beach. The area around the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is also a fun spot to hang out if you’re into aviation — seeing the tiny Winair planes land on the world’s shortest commercial runway never really gets old.

While Zion’s Hill doesn’t offer a long list of accommodations, there are a couple of excellent villa-style options if you’re seeking privacy and space.

Best Villas in Zion’s Hill:

• Modern Luxury Private Villa w/ Pool and Ocean Views – Located near the airport, this sleek, open-concept villa offers modern comforts, a private pool, and epic sea views. It’s a perfect escape for couples or small groups wanting seclusion without being too far from Windwardside.
• Home Away from Home in the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean – This charming hilltop home feels like a true getaway. With a private pool, full kitchen, and sweeping views, it’s ideal for longer stays or travelers wanting to settle in and live like a local for a while.

Tips for Deciding Where to Stay in Saba

If you’re still figuring out where to stay in Saba, here are some practical tips to help you choose the right area and type of accommodation for your travel style:

• Get Connected with Airalo E-SIMs
  Saba doesn’t have the strongest mobile infrastructure, but Airalo offers reliable and affordable eSIM options that work across the Dutch Caribbean. It’s a great way to stay connected if you’re booking local tours or navigating to your Saba accommodation.
• Stay in Windwardside
  For most travelers, Windwardside is the best answer to the question of where to stay in Saba. It has the widest range of lodging options, easy access to hiking trails, dive shops, restaurants, and even a couple of grocery stores. It’s the most central and tourist-friendly village on the island.
• Consider Skipping the Car Rental
  Renting a car in Saba is expensive, and parking is limited — especially in Windwardside. Most visitors rely on taxis or hitchhiking (yes, really!). Hitchhiking is safe, common, and almost feels like part of the local experience. If you’re staying in Windwardside, you’ll find that most things are walkable anyway.
• How Long to Stay on the Island
  I stayed for a full week, but I think 3–5 days is the sweet spot if you want to hit the highlights and still have time to relax. There isn’t a huge list of attractions, but if you’re into hiking or scuba diving, you could easily stretch that out to a longer stay.
• Best Time of Year to Visit Saba
  I visited in July and the weather was beautiful — warm, breezy, and full of dramatic cloud cover rolling over the hills. Saba’s weather is fairly consistent year-round, though conditions can change quickly. Pack layers and always be ready for mist, especially at higher elevations near Mount Scenery.
• Decide What Type of Accommodation Fits Your Style
  When choosing where to stay in Saba, think about what kind of experience you want. Villas are great for privacy and self-catering. Boutique hotels in Windwardside offer more services and easy access to restaurants. Eco-lodges and cottages give you that off-grid, nature-focused vibe.
• Book Early — Options Are Limited
  There aren’t many places to stay in Saba, and the best villas and hotels can book out weeks (or months) in advance, especially during peak dive season. Once you’ve decided where to stay in Saba, lock it in early to avoid missing out.
• Plan Around Activities
  Your ideal place to stay in Saba depends on what you want to do. If you’re diving, being near Windwardside makes it easy to access dive shops and tour operators. If you’re just here to unwind and take in the views, a private villa in Zion’s Hill might be more your speed.

Conclusion: Are the Best Places to Stay in Saba Worth it?

Absolutely — the best places to stay in Saba are 100% worth it, especially if you’re the kind of traveler who values peace, nature, and a slower pace. This isn’t an island with five-star resorts and endless nightlife, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

Whether you choose a cozy cottage in Windwardside, a private villa near the airport, or a boutique hotel tucked into the hillside, where you stay in Saba will shape your entire experience. With limited accommodations and a truly off-the-beaten-path vibe, booking the right spot makes all the difference.

If you’re still unsure where to stay in Saba, I always suggest starting with Windwardside — it’s got everything you need and serves as the perfect home base for exploring the island. And once you’re here, don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip before you’ve even left.

F.A.Q’s: Where to Stay in Saba for the Best Hotels

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